Book Rec Newsletters & Better Search Filters: Bucks Co.'s 18 Public Libraries Get Upgraded

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — All 18 Bucks County libraries will now be using OCLC Wise as their online catalog system, after trying out the service's early adopter program in 2020.

While that may not mean much to library-goers unfamiliar with the intricacies of digital cataloguing systems, staff say users will notice significant changes to make interfacing with the library from their computers more simple, comprehensive, and fun.

More advanced search features are among the upgrades.

"When you click on the catalog button right now it just brings up a search, but when we move to our new system it will be easier to filter search results, almost like the bigger retailers have on the left side of the screen," Patty Dawson, access services administrator for the Bucks County Free Library, told Patch. "You can choose the type of material you're looking for, publication date, author, and just a bunch of different filters to make it easier for users to search."

Dawson is particularly excited about a new feature that will let users keep up to date about library offerings in genres that interest them: cooking, mystery, science fiction, etc.

"Patrons will be able to sign up for almost a newsletter, that will email them with new arrivals from our system," she explained.

Users will also be able to control their account preferences and monitor their checkout history, whether to remember if they've watched a film before or see how many books they read this year.

And eventually, after the first wave of rollouts has succeeded, the library plans to introduce a Goodreads-style review system on their platform.

"That'll be a little later down the line," Dawson said.

Bucks County library cardholders will see the new catalog system when searching for items in the library’s collection, and when accessing their library account on any device.

Patrons can also link their account with a family member or friend to renew items and pay fines for the other person. Library card numbers and PINs will not change.

Dawson said staff began training to use the new system in November of 2021.

"We're all very excited," she said. "We've been waiting for an opportunity to update our system for awhile, and this just came at a good time."

Instructions for using the new library account features are available online.

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